Monday, 21 October 2013

GAZA CITY (AFP) -- The military wing of Hamas on Monday claimed responsibility for a tunnel built under the border between Gaza and Israel.

"This tunnel was made by the hand of the fighters of (Izzadine) al-Qassam and they will not sleep in their efforts to hit the occupation and kidnap soldiers," the group's spokesman Abu Obeida told Hamas's al-Aqsa radio.

"We are working on the ground and under the ground to release the prisoners (held by Israel)," he said.

"Kidnapping soldiers is the only way to succeed against the (Israeli) occupation."

Israeli officials last Sunday said troops had uncovered a tunnel running from Gaza 450 meters into Israel and allegedly intended as a springboard for attacks.

In June 2006 a group of Hamas and other militants entered into Israel through a cross-border tunnel and seized Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. more